System catering specialist (Fachmann/Fachfrau für Systemgastronomie)
You serve guests in a restaurant with a standardised concept and learn to organise teams, stock and management: a paid 3-year training at the crossroads of service and management.
What a system catering specialist does
They work in self-service restaurants, fast-food chains or for caterers: they welcome guests, keep to quality standards and run the organisation.
Serve and advise
Welcome guests, inform them about the offer, prepare simple dishes and handle complaints.
Organise the restaurant
Plan tasks, manage goods and stock, and comply with standards and hygiene.
Manage and lead
Take part in marketing, calculations and staff management: a stepping stone to management.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy a fast pace and clearly defined procedures
- you have a head for numbers and organisation
- you want to move up to a team leader role
- you switch easily from one task to another
Less suitable if…
- you dislike working evenings, weekends and public holidays
- you cannot stand or walk for long periods
- you refuse to follow strict procedures and standards
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Serving and advising guestsSystem catering standardsGoods managementStaff planningMarketing and salesCalculations and controlPersonal qualities
SpeedRigourOrganisationFlexibilityTeamworkHow the Ausbildung works
In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.
The basics
- Welcome, kitchen, service
- Goods and storage
- Care of dining areas
Service and sales
- Service and sales promotion
- First part of the exam
- Product preparation
Organisation, management
- System organisation
- Staff and goods
- Marketing and management
Exams and qualification
The final exam is split into two parts (gestreckte Abschlussprüfung). The first (production and service) takes place in the 4th half-year and counts for 25 % of the mark. The second ends the training: guest experience and marketing, staff and management, operations in system catering, economics and society. Qualification: IHK certificate.
You are paid during the training
Gross monthly pay during the training. These amounts are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.
What you need to apply
Education level
German level
Physical fitness
Documents to prepare
- CV and cover letter in German
- Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
- German B2 level certificate
Advantages and difficulties
Advantages
- Paid training from the first year
- Towards shift leader or restaurant manager posts
- Many brands, chains and catering firms
- You learn management as well as service
Difficulties
- Work on your feet and on the move, at a brisk pace
- Evenings, weekends and public holidays worked
- Strict standards and procedures to follow
- Solid German is needed for the management side
Where it can lead
Qualified specialist
Work in self-service, a fast-food chain or for a catering firm.
Team or restaurant lead
Take charge of a department or a restaurant, with in-house training.
Betriebswirt or studies
Take the catering and food-service management training or study hotel management.
Other trainings: Hospitality, catering and tourism
Not quite convinced by this occupation? Here are related trainings in the same field.
We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany
Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.
Take the test online or at the office
The eligibility test is done online on our website, or by visiting our Douala office directly.
Take the testTalk to our team
Germany: +49 (0) 7033 694 18 80
Cameroon: +237 622 20 81 64
DZK, our language centre
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK) is our own language centre in Douala. Outside Douala: partner language centres, call us to find the nearest one.
AZUFA is always us
AZUFA is our platform: it connects you with German companies that recruit apprentices and follows your application through to the training contract.
Go to AZUFAFrom German A1 to the first day of training in Germany
Each step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.
- 1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
- 2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
- 3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK
- 4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
- 5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA
- 6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
- 7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
- 8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Stay informed
Join our channels to receive new offers, session dates and advice. These are announcement channels: no private conversations.
Our structures for this occupation
Our platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
Training offers for this occupation
No offer is open here at the moment. Browse apprenticeship offers on AZUFA, or receive an e-mail as soon as a partner company recruits.
See offers on AZUFA →Take this sheet with you
A 5-page document to read offline or show your family: the occupation, the training, the pay and the whole pathway, from German A1 to the first day of training.
Download the brochure (PDF)You may be wondering…
What German level is required?
How long does the training last?
Am I paid during the training?
Where can I take the eligibility test?
Where can I learn German?
Can I go through Fachkraft für Gastronomie first?
What does “system catering” mean?
Ready to find out whether this occupation is for you?
Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.